Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference on October 31, 2012.

Q: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released a report, saying that Asian countries' growing demand for heroin drives the expansion of opium cultivation, and opium cultivation in Myanmar has maintained the momentum of growth for six consecutive years. Did China communicate with Myanmar for the significant increase of opium cultivation? Does China worry that Myanmar's domestic conflicts will affect its control over opium cultivation?

A: Please refer the specific question you raised to the competent authority. I want to point out that the Chinese government attaches great importance to counter-narcotics work. Government departments at all levels have done plenty of work and achieved significant progress in preventive education, drug detoxification and rehabilitation, fight against drug-related crimes and strengthening management over precursor chemicals. China has actively participated in international counter-narcotics affairs and enhanced international cooperation in this field, contributing to regional and world counter-narcotics work. China will continue to make active efforts in the fight against drug-related crimes.

Q: Chinese maritime surveillance ships reportedly drove Japanese ships out of waters off the Diaoyu Islands yesterday. Will Chinese maritime surveillance ships carry out regular patrols in waters off the Diaoyu Islands?

A: It is completely justified for Chinese maritime surveillance ships to go to China's territorial sea off the Diaoyu Islands to perform routine patrol and law-enforcement activities. The Japanese side should face up to the reality that the situation over the Diaoyu Islands has undergone fundamental changes.

Q: UN-AL Joint Special Representative on the Syrian issue today said he hopes China will play a further role on the Syrian issue. How does China respond?

On the question you raised, China has played an important and active role in the political resolution of the Syrian issue. We will work with the international community and make further positive efforts for a fair, peaceful and proper resolution of the Syrian issue.

Q: A US intelligence agency said that US companies trading with China are facing the risk of cyber intrusion. US think tank commented that China is trying to steal US commercial secrets. What is China's comment?

A: We have clearly and repeatedly expressed China's position on questions alike. We believe it is unfounded and irresponsible to blame China for cyber attacks against the US and stealing relevant on-line information without thorough investigation and conclusive evidence. The issue of internet security is a common challenge faced by all countries. China is also one of the main victims of hacker attacks and is willing to work with the international community to carry out active and pragmatic cooperation so as to jointly safeguard internet security.